The free Little Italy and Barbary coast walking Tour is offered
every day at 1pm – rain or shine -
From San Francisco’s Barbary Coast (the birthplace of San Francisco and its ‘frisky’ image) to the North Beach neighborhood, (one of today’s most lively parts of the city), this San Fransisco walking tour mixes the city’s oldest bar and the first topless club with the birthplace of the Bank of America and the invention of television. The North Beach / Barbary Coast walking tour shows off the liberalism, diversity and energy of San Francisco. Today North beach is one of the most vibrant areas of San Francisco and combines a rare combination of locals and tourists enjoying the same places.
In this walk you will meet the North Beach characters of yesterday and today: Robin Williams, President Grant and General Sherman, ‘Silicon Sally’ Carol Doda, Joe DiMaggio, the Lusty Ladies, Francis Ford Coppola, Mark Twain and even a mortuary noted for its band (we are not making this stuff up, come and join our walks if you want to check by yourself!).
Enjoy stories of such North Beach landmarks and characters as:
- Pre-earthquake buildings of San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood
- The best sky views of the city and a private underground tunnel
- Gold Street and the Gold Rush
- Transamerica Pyramid & Coit Tower
- LSD, CIA and Jack Kerouac
- Hotaling’s Whiskey
- Beatniks, City Lights and Bob Dylan
- The Hippodrome, Condor and Lusty Lady
- Little Italy – Washington Square – and Joltin’ Joe Church
- Shanghai Kelly
After this 90-minute journey through San Francisco, you will return with a better idea of how San Francisco became the liberal city of America with Beatniks, Hippies and Gay/Lesbian communities, as well as the home to many of the leaders in the technological revolution of today.
On our tours you will feel the difference. Our native City Guides know what it’s like to live in San Francisco, are eager to take you around their favorite neighborhoods and glad to give you personal insights into life in our city – where to go out, shop, drink, dine and experience the city. An hour with a Discover Walks guide is like strolling around with a new friend.
PRIVATE TOURS
Where you come first – and we cater to your interests and to your group.
$90 – All inclusive, 90 minutes up to 2hours
book here
FAMILY TOURS
Where kids come first – so everyone can have a good time.
$90 ($70 for 5 guests or less).
All inclusive, 90 minutes to 2 hours.
book here
For the North Beach and Barbary Coast walking tour we meet at the base of the Transamerica Pyramid where Columbus Avenue meets Washington and Montgomery Streets. These walking tours start on time at 1PM rain or shine.
Look for our distinctive pink purple vests.
